Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Leg Strengthening Exercises

Or LSE for short. ;)

Here are the links:

Last month's article of Runner's World also had an article on this issue, so I follow the recommended exercises there too. I vary it depending on what I feel like doing that day.

Let's see, what else is up? Nothing new. It's still friggin' cold! And my car is still making noises. Now I'm hearing rattling noises everytime I press on the gas pedal after being at a complete stop. I just spoke to my Dad earlier to ask him if he's free one of these weekends to help me scope out new cars. I think I'm getting a small SUV this time, but I'll have to check out the options.

One thing that's going well is my workouts. Still staying consistent! Here are today's activities:

AM: Treadmill (3.5 miles running + 7 min. walking), LSE

PM: UBWO

I barely squeaked in UBWO. I didn't start doing it until 9:30 pm and I was tired by that time. But it has to get done!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Mountains

I heard this song for the first time this weekend and decided that I gotta' have it in my iPod playlist. (Don't you all just love YouTube?)



I love these verses:

There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb

Bobby, Bobby Dunn came back from the war,
Lost his leg but they couldn't take his will
Hell bent to run in that local marathon,
He trained through the endless pain an' pills
It hurt so bad that sometimes,
He just had to cry,
He didn't stop until he crossed,
That finish line

So what's your "mountain" today? Mine was my iPod dying on me in minute 10 of my 40 minutes cardio. HA! HA!

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No rest for the lazy for me this weekend! I cleaned the house - still not completely done but I made some dent. Also cooked my BFL meals for the week. So kind of productive. Anyways, here is my workout log since my last update:

Saturday:
AM: Treadmill (4 miles running!!!! + 10 minutes walking), Leg Strengthening Exercises
Comment: Was supposed to do LBWO but got lazy and didn't get it done. :(

Sunday:
AM: LBWO
Comment: Supposedly my free day, but what can I say? It needs to get done! It must have been a good workout coz I'm feeling it today, particularly in my inner thighs which needs the most work. Must have been due to the dumbbell sumo squat. Ouch!

Today (Monday):
PM: Elliptical (20 minutes HIIT + 20 minutes MISS backwards), Abs
Comment: Like I said, iPod died on me 10 minutes into the cardio. I forgot to flip the switch to hold and it must have played while in my gym bag. But I got my cardio done! I don't need no stinkin' iPod (LOL)! And according to the machine, I burned over 600 calories. Of course it's inaccurate, but I'll still take it!

So tonight is a big TV night. 24 and Heroes are on! And I finally figured out how to set up my VCR for recording! It's been a while, but it came back to me eventually. I missed Heroes last week and NBC.com didn't post it and the SciFi channel didn't play it today like they used to. Grrr! Anyways, it's all good now! So I'm going to relax now and enjoy my shows!

Friday, January 26, 2007

The Cup of Life

Boy, what a flashback! I haven't heard this song in such a long time. But it was one of the songs played during today's spinning class. I was dying until I heard this song. I will definitely dowload this song to my iPod to add to my running/workout playlist.




So yes, I did spinning today and it kicked my ass as usual! I didn't make it to work to the 45 minute morning class, but made it to the one-hour long class around lunch time. There was no way in hell I was getting out of the house really early this morning! The temperature was in the single digits with the wind chill making it feel like it was sub-zero! Brrrr!

But get this, there were a couple of people still out running today! I saw a girl walking into the gym locker room all decked up in cold running gear. Then as I was working on abs in the stretching room, there was a guy there stretching, his many layers of cold gear outerware laying on the floor. I don't care how many cold gear running clothes you give me, but there is no way anybody is going to make go out to run in this weather! The treadmill is my best friend during the winter season.

Speaking of treadmill, I found this thread in Runner's World forum. It basically proves I'm not that only abnormal person who finds running on the treadmill harder than running outside. HA!

Also, I was talking to this guy I know from my last job. He's running the New Jersey Marathon in April, then the Philadelphia Broad Street 10-Mile Run the week after. THEN, he's also planning on running the Jefferson Distance Run (1/2 Marathon) in September. THEN the Philadelphia Marathon in November. He's built like a Kenyan but he's French (LOL). Anyways, I've seen him running on the treadmill a lot at the gym, so I'm 99% sure he did most of his training via treadmill. I also asked him if he runs outside around the winter time and he said no. He finished his last marathon in the low 4-hours range. I'm really glad to know that the treadmill is still a good tool for training in long distance runs. It will come in handy IF I ever decide (or brave enough) to do a run longer than a 5K (LOL). Unfortunately, the mind and heart is willing, but the body is not.

TGIF! Have a great weekend everybody!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

M&M's

I was reading the Runner's World forum and discovered an interesting fact. Did you all know that you have to walk an entire length of a football field to burn off one M&M? There was a diet discussion going on and one of the frequent forumite, who happens to be a dietician, offered this interesting tidbit. I have to remember that next time I get a craving for chocolates!

I am EXHAUSTED! I had trouble sleeping last night. I was tired but wide awake until like 3 am. I had such trouble getting up. Now, I'm starting to feel the effect of last night's sleeplessness.

Work is still the same - stressful! I still enjoy my job though. I've been telling myself that once this whole thing is resolved, I will feel a huge sense of accomplishment in the end. ;)

In addition, I started my class again towards my Certification in Regulatory Affairs. I took a break last semester but it's time to get serious again. I swear, I'm a glutton for punishment! I should have just been satisfied with my masters degree. Why, why, why am I torturing myself further? But it's too late now. Luckily I only have 2 more classes, counting this one, before I get my certification. But the class is hard! The amount of materials I have to learn is crazy! I just printed out the lecture notes for the first half of the semester, and it almost did not fit a 3" binder! And I printed it so that it's 2 slides per page and double-sided! Did I also mention we have big textbook to go along with it? And the exams are open book. I hate open book exams coz they are almost impossible to figure out!

Oh, we got another dusting of snow today - TWICE! Once in the early morning, then it melted, then it started snowing like crazy around noon, but luckily for a short while only and it's gone now. That's okay, as long as it's nothing major I'm okay with it.

Fitness is still on track! Eating is okay. I had a small piece of cake today at work for some plant-wide celebration.

Here are my workout log for yesterday & today:

Yesterday (Wednesday):
PM: Eliptical (28 min HIIT + 7 min MISS) + Abs

Today (Thursday):
AM: Treadmill (3.5 miles running [~35 min, 5.9-6.3 mph, 1% incline] + 6 min walking), Leg Strengthening Exercises (only partly done)
PM: UBWO, Leg Strengthening Exercises
Comment: I'm surprised I was still able to run after the lack of sleep, but I'm happy with it. I ran out of time though so didn't complete the LSE until the pm.

That's it! I'm about ready to crash, so good night!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Snow again

Nothing new. Work craziness. Car is still making noises. And it snowed again this morning. I don't mind these little dusting of snow. As long as we don't a big boat load I'm okay with it. Did I mention I hate shoveling? LOL.

BFL, both eating and workouts, are going well so far this week. I just hope I didn't jinx myself by saying that. ;)

I planned well this weekend in terms of my meals - cooked my meals this Sunday so I am set. I made EFL Beef Stew, Turkey Tacos, and EFL Pumpkin Cheesecake! All so yummy!

The Turkey Tacos was really simple. I just sauteed some red onions, browned some ground turkey, added taco mix according to the package directions, and that's it! I portioned it into individual containers, added some LF cheese on top, and it's ready to take to work for lunch. I eat it with some lettuce (already sliced and pre-washed) and 2 taco shells. I microwave the meat a little bit before eating, of course. The only thing is I can't find taco shells without the trans fat! However according to the package, one serving is 3 shells and has only 2.5 g trans fat and a total of 150 calories. Since I only eat 2 at a time, it's not so bad. I wish the taco shell manufacturers would get with the program and start making the 0 g trans fat version, LOL.

Okay, here's my workout for today:

AM: Treadmill (~3.3 miles running @ 5.8-6.2 mph w/ 1% incline (~33 min) + 7 min walking), Abs (3 x 1 min planks), Leg Strengthening Exercises
PM: LBWO

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Katiefeldmom - To answer your question on yesterday's HIIT, I did it at the following levels: 5, 5, (6, 7, 8, 9) seven times, 10, 5. Total 32 minutes. So it's sort of an extended version of the traditional 20 min BFL HIIT. I wanted to do 30 minutes HIIT at least and the BFL pattern just worked out this way. It was sort of punishment for slacking off this weekend. :o)

Hope that answers your question...

Monday, January 22, 2007

Snow finally!

So far, we had 2 snow episodes. One last Friday and one this morning. Nothing bad, less than an inch each, more like a dusting.

Last Friday was crazy! I deliberately left home late just to make sure the roads are clear of snow or ice. When I went out that morning to take out the garbage, I noticed the snow was sort of like tiny pellets of ice and slightly slippery. So I left, got about 2 miles from my house then practically sat in traffic. I probably spent half an hour driving half a mile until I can get to this road where I can make a detour to another route. Thought I was clear, then hit another wall of traffic. Overall, my 13 miles drive took me over an hour. Thankfully, even though it was late, so was everybody else! When I got to work, my co-worker told me that the all the highways in the area were jammed because of accidents everywhere caused by icy roads. A really unfortunate incident was the turnpike exit near work. I found out that there was a serious car accident where the driver got ejected from his car died. Even though I bitched and moaned about the traffic, I think I got lucky, don't you think?

Today thankfully wasn't too bad. I left at a decent time and traffic was very light. I think the fact that schools opened 2 hours late helped a lot. Also, the snow didn't have that icy quality as last Friday so the roads were in good condition.

Oh shucks, the weather report just gave black ice warning for tomorrow. Bummer!

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So here's my workout updates. I know, this is kind of boring. But it helps me be accountable.

I have to admit, I fell from grace. :( Well, here goes.

Thursday:
AM: Treadmill (3 min walking + 0.5 miles running), Leg Strengthening Exercises
PM: LBWO
Comment: That's right! A pathetic 0.5 miles run! WTF! Well, I woke up late, realized that it's garbage and recycle day so I had to take care of that, and I was exhausted! No energy to go on. My body is probably telling me something, so I listened even though I'm still trying to figure out what.

Friday:
Supposed to be HIIT cardio and abs. Turned out into a big zilch! Nada! Kaput!
Comment: Snow and traffic totally threw me in a loop! Plus, since I was late I had stuff to do for work. I was so tired to do anything at home that night.

Saturday:
PM:
LBWO, Leg Strengthening Exercises, Abs
Comment: Was supposed to be running in the morning, but just procrastinated until it was too late.

Sunday:
Rest day.
Comment: Was planning on making up some cardio, but again procrastinated. :(

Today is a new week. I'm back to semi-normal, but still feels like I'm picking myself up from last week. I'll get back to old form eventually. So for today's workout:
PM1: Elliptical (32 minutes HIIT + 3 minutes MISS), Abs (3x12 knee ups)
PM2: Leg Strengthening Exercises
Comment: Happy about the HIIT but disappointed with abs. Had a lot of work to do so time at the gym was limited. Was planning to do more abs at home but I'm just tired!

I don't know where this tiredness is coming from. Maybe I was doing so much? Or just stress from work and life in general?

Work is busy, plus I'm dealing with some difficult issues with one of my projects. Not fun!

I'm also stressed out about my car since just started making some some noises. It started around the holidays. It would make some rattling noises when I first start it up after it's been sitting for a while. It only lasts for for a minute or so, then it's quiet again. My friend thinks it might just be a loose screw. However, my car has a lot of mileage already so it's time to replace. I've been spoiled having no car payments for years though, so the idea of having a significant chunk of my monthly budget goint to car payments for 5 years is making me nervous. Yeah I can probably afford it, but I'm cheap, LOL. I'm comfortable having money in the bank in case of emergencies. Or *ahem* spontaneous shopping spree. Doesn't that count as an emergency? LOL.

Well, that's all I've got today! Good night!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

I'm a stalker

While our blends community was going through a down time during the holidays -- well, except for me it seems :o) -- I've been checking out the running boards (Runnersworld & Coolrunning). I was tempted to start participating there coz they seem to be a very active and informative community, as well as a great group of people. However between this blog, myblends, and tracker, I won't have time for real life! Anyways, I came across this runner's blog. What an inspiration! And he just ran his first marathon! He also has a bunch of links to other runner's blog on his sidebar that I've been checking out. Reading up on those makes me want to move to Houston. There's a big group of blogging runners over there!

Anyways, you all know the drill by now. Got my workouts done.

PM: Elliptical (20 minutes HIIT + 20 minutes MISS), Abs

For abs, I did a bunch of crunches, a bunch of exercises using a medicine ball, some pilates exercises, and 2 x 1 min. planks. It totally kicked my ass!

Also, I am still sore from yesterday's UBWO. Good stuff!!!

Eating is better than yesterday. Not as clean during lunch. I met another friend for lunch, but we went to a nearby restaurant this time. I had a cup of split pea soup and a small chicken ceasar salad. I should have asked for the dressing on the side, but I completely forgot! It wasn't too bad though. The split pea soup was salty though.

That's it for today!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Television Mania

I'm watching American Idol right now. Nobody's really impressing me yet, but I don't normally make a decision until they start the actual competition. Most of the contestants right now are HORRIBLE! I can't believe nobody ever told them until the audition that they can't sing! Are they even serious about being upset, or is it all an act?

Anyhoo...the wierd weather we've been having is finally ending. Boohoo! I was so enjoying myself. Tomorrow, the temperature is supposed to drop to the teens -- back to normal January weather. Oh well, I guess we're due.

As usual, got my workout done today!

AM: Treadmill (2.25 miles @ 6.0-6.2 mph and 1% incline [~22 min] + ~8 min. walking for warm-up and cool-down), Leg Strengthening Exercises
PM: UBWO

I deliberately ran only 2.25 miles today since I ran over 2 miles yesterday for my 20 minutes HIIT. I'm still doing gradual improvements with the running. It must be working because legs still feel fine!

I didn't eat completely clean today. I met a friend for lunch and the food at our cafeteria sucked! I got eggplant parmesan, grilled veggies, & no pasta. I only ate part of the eggplant parmesan since that wasn't that good either.

That's all I've got today.

Monday, January 15, 2007

JACK IS BACK!!!

Did anybody catch last night's season premiere of 24? Man, I was totally stoked! Sure it's the same premise - Jack Bauer saving the world from the evil terrorist. But it's still an awesome show, full of twists and turns and non-stop adrenaline rush. I cannot wait for the 2nd 2-hours installment tonight!

One thing is for sure - JACK BAUER IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!! Geez, you would think CTU would learn it by now!

Did anybody recognize the actor playing the reformed terrorist, Assad? I was trying to remember who it was, then it hit me almost at the end of the show. It's Dr. Bashir from Star Trek - Deep Space Nine! Oops, did I just admit my inner nerdyness? ;-)

Next week is going to be tough! 24 and Heroes are both on at the same time! I wish I have TIVO or DirectTV. I may have to figure out how to work my VCD again. It's been a while! SciFi channel does play the new episodes the Monday after at 7 pm, but I don't think I can wait.

Tonight is also the Golden Globe Award show. I don't typically watch these shows, but I'm kind of curious how the movie Dreamgirls do. I hope Jennifer Hudson wins! And I also hope Keifer and 24 racks up some awards!

Also, don't forget, tomorrow is the season premiere of "American Idol"! WOOHOO!

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Today, I'm off from work because of Martin Luther King Day. The day-off is great! It's like a post-holiday reprieve, but a couple of weeks later, LOL!

Got my workout done! 20 minutes (pseudo) HIIT on the tready+ 15 minutes walking also on the tready + Leg Strengthening Exercises + Abs. It's the first time I did HIIT on the tready since I had runner's knee before Thanksgiving. I only went up to 6.5 mph for my 10. Cardio-wise, I could have gone higher. However, I didn't want to strain my knees too much, and I was landing on my feet kind of awkwardly throughout the run. Fortunately, my legs feel fine so far (keeping my fingers crossed).

Gotta go! 24 is on!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Tagged: A - Z

A- Available or single? Both
B- Best Friend? None. Lots of close friends though.
C- Cake or Pie? Pecan Pie
D- Drink of Choice? Coffee
E- Essential Item? Lip gloss
F- Favorite Color? Green (at the moment)
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Worms (I love the sour ones!)
H- Hometown? Manila, Philippines
I- Indulgence? Manicure and Pedicure
J- January or February? January - new start to a new year!
K- Kids and names? No kids
L- Life is incomplete without? My family
M- Marriage Date? Hopefully, sometime in the future.
N- Number of Siblings? 2 brothers
O- Oranges or Apples? Golden Delicious Apples
P- Phobias/Fears? phobia = big group of birds /// fears = death
Q- Favorite Quote? "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong
R- Reason to Smile? "24" premieres tonight!
S- Season? Autumn
T- Tag three people! Three people who hasn't done this yet.
U- Unknown Fact about Me? Can't think of one right now.
V- Vegetable you hate? Tomato
W- Worst Habit? Procrastinating
Y- Your Favorite Food? French fries
Z- Zodiac? Libra

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My legs feel like lead from yesterday's LBWO. It hurts so good!

Saturday, January 13, 2007

I promise...

...to post picture of me in my bridesmaid's dress. Of course, you all have to wait until April. :)

I went to David's Bridal today to try out the dress for the alterations. Man, I really have to make sure I work out and not explode before the wedding. The dress fits just right with hardly any room to move. It's a size 2, but since it's a formal wear it's made smaller than the regular sizes. I only had to get the strap and the length shortened, but other than that everything's fine. And yes, the shoes went really well with the dress.

This week is another successful week with fitness. Since my last post on Tuesday, here's what I did:

Wednesday
AM: Elliptical (20 minutes HIIT + 20 minutes MISS), Abs

Thursday
AM: Treadmill (Running @ ~6 mph and 1% incline for ~22.5 min [2.25 miles] + ~7 min walking for warm-up and cool-down), Leg Strengthening Exercises
PM: UBWO
Comment: I woke up late and didn't have enough time on the treadmill. Plus I was really tired.

Friday
PM: Elliptical (20 minutes HIIT + 15 minutes MISS), Abs

Today
AM: Treadmill (Running ~5K + 10 minutes walking for warm-up and cool-down), LBWO, Knee Stabilizing Exercises, Abs (4 X 12 Knee-ups), Treadmill (~27 minutes walking)
Comment: Should have run outside. It was nice and warm! But, I saved a lot of time just doing all my workouts at the gym. I went with my mom to her gym. She took FOREVER! The ab workout and 2nd treadmill session was while waiting for her to get all her stuff done.

I should be done for the week. I might go for a walk tomorrow to accompany my dad so he gets some exercise.

Supplement's good. Water's good. Eating on the other hand...Blah!!! That should speak for itself.

Gotta go! Eagles are playing in a couple of minutes.

And I realized I was tagged by both Evelyne and Katie. I'll try to get that done tomorrow.

And don't forget..."24" 2-hours season premiere is tomorrow night!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Shoes are here!

Wow, that was fast! I ordered the shoes from Zappos on Sunday (see last post) and they're now here! WOOHOO! Zappos just made a new fan out of me! I must say, the shoes are so purrty! Here's a pic:


The shoes actually look a lot better in person. Much more blingy! And they fit me perfectly! In the couple of minutes that I wore them, they seem to be fairly comfortable. Surprising since the heels are so high. But I need all the help I can get, being only 5'1" and all. Anyways, I'll have to try them on some more just to get used to them. Gotta get used to boogying in them, ya know! ;)

I just hope they go with my dress, which is this one:

Let me just say, the dress looks awesome and suits me really well! Very chic and very slimming! My future SIL decided to have the bridesmaids pick a dress style of their choice but in the same color, which is lilac. I think that's pretty smart since everybody's body type is different. Anyways, when I tried this dress on, I got so many complements from the other girls in the dressing room area, which was packed that day. In fact, many of the girls requested the same dress coz it looked so good on me (not to brag or anything, LOL). For a brief moment, I was the center of attention! :0)

Gotta stay in shape and look good in that dress! Perhaps a nice, toned arms? Which brings me to my usual topic...

Today, fitness reigned supreme once again!

AM: Treadmill (3.5 miles @ 5.9-6.1 mph and 1% incline [~35 minutes] + 8 minutes walking for warm-up and cool-down), Leg Strengthening Exercises.

PM: LBWO, Knee Stabilizing Exercise

Eating = CHECK

Water = CHECK

Supplements = CHECK

Running felt really great! Other than the annoying blister on my big toe, legs feel fine. As for the LBWO, I increased my weight settings by 5 lbs on all the exercises. I'm taking baby steps so that the risk of injury is kept at a minimum. Slow and steady wins the race!

Monday, January 08, 2007

Gonna Fly Now

I love this song! It's the first song on my cardio playlist and it gets my blood pumping everytime I hear it.

On a related topic, GO EAGLES! Great game last night! Next stop - New Orleans!

Yesterday was very productive. I went to church in the morning, then went to the mall to return a sweater. I also needed to get silver sandals for my bridesmaid dress for my brother's wedding in April. I'm scheduled for a fitting this coming Saturday and I need the sandals with me. Guess what, NOTHING! My feet are too small - 5 1/2 - and the smallest the stores carry is 6! I can typically get away with a 6 on boots and sneakers, but never sandals. So I went to Zappos.com, and I was saved! And, the one I got was a special where shipping upgrade for 2-days express is FREE! This is the first time I've purchased anything from Zappos.com so I'm crossing my fingers that everything works out.

In addition to the shoes, I got tons of work done around the house. Did a little bit of cleaning and straightening up here and there and also cooked my meals for the week.

Today started out on a positive note also. We were supposed to get flooded. In fact, we were warned we were supposed to get over 4" of rain between last night and this morning, and because of all the rain we already got the last couple of weeks, we would only need a little under 2" to get to flood stage. However, it turned out not to be too bad. We did get rain, but nothing too heavy. In fact, other than the occassional slow drivers, my drive to work was uneventful.

Best of all, I made it to the gym super early today! Did 20 minutes HIIT + 20 minutes MISS on the eliptical machine, followed by abs. Eating has been clean so far (and will be for the remainder of the night). Supplements are on target. Water has been guzzled on a regular basis.

I just need to stop watching the Food Network. They just showed a special on Coldstone Creamery ice cream, one of my many food weaknesses. Thankfully, I made some EFL Cheesecake last night, which should satisfy my sweet tooth. ;-)

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

No fighting though! I'm trying to come up with a title but this is the only one I can think of that has "Saturday on it. LOL!

This weekend is quiet for a change, which is a welcome relief after the craziness of the holidays. I'm getting a lot done at home, which is desperately needed as my house looks like a pig sty. Right now, I'm winding down watching the movie "Invincible" with Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear. It's about a guy named Vince Papale, an ordinary guy who made the Philadelphia Eagles team through an open tryout. It's hard to believe this is the first time I'm watching this movie considering I'm in the Philadelphia Eagles territory. But that's just the way it is. Not only will the movie (hopefully) provide some motivation in my life, but it should get me in the mood for tomorrow's playoff game between the Eagles and the New York Giants. GO EAGLES!!!

The first week of January is turning out to be a strange one, but in a good way. Today, it got up to 70 F! That's unheard of in January around here in the northeast! I think the warm weather is having a positive affect on people's mood around here too. You know how you get somewhat depressed during the post-holiday season? Well, none of that around here. People are outside, enjoying the warm weather like it's summer! It's wonderful! I know that it's not going to last though. I'm just hoping we don't get too much snow. I hate snow and all that shoveling!!!!

Anyways, I got all my workouts done this week!

Yesterday (Friday):
AM: 50 minutes spinning class, Abs
Went to a spinning class at work just before lunchtime. Boy, was it TOUGH!!! I'm glad we got an instructor that really pushed us!

Today (Saturday):
AM: 4+ miles running outside
PM: UBWO, Leg Strengthening Exercises
Of course I took advantage of the nice weather today! Wore just a shirt (dry wicking of course) and shorts and had to apply sunscreen! UBWO was done at 10 pm. I had to run some errands today, do some work around the house, then a friend of mine called and we chatted a bit. Next thing you know, it's late.

That should be it for the week! Except for work, I'm ready to face next week head on! Got my groceries done, meals planned, etc. So far so good!

P.S.
Still watching "Invincible". It's really good! =)

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Slippery When Wet

...or, I should say "Icy".

I almost got into an accident yesterday morning. I left the house a little earlier than normal while it was still dark. There were a fair number of cars already on the road and I was driving along this one road where the traffic has slowed down, so I slowed down too. Next thing I know, the truck in front of me started going to the opposite side of the road. I was already slowing down at this point, maybe less than 5 mph, when to my surprise my car slowly swerved to the opposite side of the road also. I must have hit a patch of black ice or something. Almost went off the road and almost made a complete 360. Luckily, I was able to stop in time. I also noticed the truck behind me kind of swerved to the other side side. There must have been multiple cars that lost control! Fortunately, the cars going the opposite way must have realized what was happening and gave us plenty of room. I was surprised that we didn't smash into each other and we were able to to drive off without a scratch. That was a close call!

Other than the near miss yesterday, I'm doing great! Diet is great, not 100%, but close. I haven't been keeping track of my water intake, but I know I drank a lot judging by all the bathroom trips and the trips to the kitchen to refill my water bottle :). Workouts are right on!

Yesterday (Wednesday):
AM: Eliptical (20 minutes HIIT + 20 minutes MISS), Abs, Lower Back Exercises

Today (Thursday):
AM: Treadmill (3.25 miles @ 5.8-6.0 mph and 1% incline [~33.5 minutes] + 6.5 minutes walking for warm-up and cool-down), Leg Strengthening Exercises
PM: LBWO, Knee Stabilizing Exercises

No shin splints and the back soreness is almost non-existant! WOOOHOOOO!!!!

While surfing the Runner's World Forum, one of the posters suggested this ab routine:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=486

It looks like a great routine! I'll probably try it, but I don't know if I can remember all 15 exercises, LOL!

Later!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Alyssa Lies

I had another crying fit today in my car while driving home. It's all because of the country song "Alyssa Lies" by John Michael Carroll. I've heard this song before and thought it had a nice melody but did not really listen to the words until today. Have any of you heard it? Talk about heartbreaking! I found this homemade video in youtube if you haven't heard the music yet. It's the first song played in the video.



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On to more light-hearted topic....

Yesterday was my rest day so today was my first workout of 2007.

AM: treadmill (3.125 miles for an average speed of 5.8 mph and 1% incline (~32 minutes) + 7 minutes walking for warm-up and cool-down), leg strengthening exercises
PM: UBWO

Lower back still feels a tad bit sore, but getting better. The good news is no shin splints! Woohoo! Just to be safe, I took it easy by maintaining an average 5.8 mph speed. For my PM workout, I procrastinated before UBWO and did not get it to it until 10 pm. But I GOT IT DONE!

That's it for today! Until tomorrow!